Festival and events
When the topic is parties, Taizhou knows how to do it right. A variety of festivals and events are held all throughout the year and offer visitors and residents a like an opportunity to get in touch with cultural roots, typical cuisine and local life.
If you can, plan your trip so as to attend one of the following festivals. However, don`t limit yourself just to these, other smaller and less frequent festivals and events happen regularly. Ask your hotel front desk or travel agent for information on up-and-coming events!
View our calendar of events.
| Striking of the Bell |
 |
There is nothing better than to ring in the New Year. At the beginning of Chinese Lunar New Year every year, Guangxiao Temple holds the “listening to the bells and greeting the New Year” event. The event involves praying, burning incense, wishing good fortunes to friends and neighbors and the main activity: striking the bell. This tradition, especially significant and unique to the Buddhist abbots, greets the Chinese lunar New Year.
- Time: December 31st of the Lunar Year (normally in late January)
- Venue: Guangxiao Temple
|
| |
 |
Qintong Boat Gathering Festival
During Qingming, the festival of Pure Brightness, a sacred day of the deceased according to the Chinese Lunar calendar, people of Qintong, an ancient town of Taizhou, traditionally hold boat races. According to the National Tourism Administration, this festival is one of the top ten folk festivals in the country.
During the event, local residents flock to the lakeside to watch boats float and speed past. Many theatrical presentations are performed throughout the ancient town during this period, creating scenes of pure enjoyment and jubilation.
- Time: April 6-May 6 of the Lunar Year
- Venue: Qinhu Scenic Area, Jiangyan
|
| |
| Qinhu Lake Food Festival |
 |
Considering that Taizhou borders the Qinhu Lake, it’s not a surprise that the Qinhu Lake Food Festival is a major event. With aquatic products like crabs, shrimp, fish and turtles from the Qinhu Lake, the Eight Delicacies Feast of Qinhu Lake is a showcase for Huaiyang Cuisine. Every year, participants create and sell over 2000 typical dishes.
Cooking contests, delicacy fairs, specialty snack fairs and other activities are all part of this traditional event.
- Time: early April-May
- Venue: Jiangyan
|
| |
| Jingjiang Gourmet Festival |
 |
Jingjiang today is an important economic area of Taizhou, the fact that the city is on an alluvial plain of the Yangtze River proves its worth. Being one of the richest lands of China, many of the regions residents or their ancestors are or were migrants from different corners of the country. And, after hundreds of years of integration and innovation, Jingjiang has formed a unique culinary culture. So much so that it was awarded “China’s Town of Fresh Vegetables of the River” and “China’s Town of steamed dumpling filled with minced crab meat and gravy” by the Association of Chinese cooking.
This festival provides all with the perfect opportunity to taste the famous steamed dumpling. With over 200 years of history and success, you can`t miss it, it is the single most characteristic and famous dish of the region.
- Time: Early April – May
- Venue: Jingjiang
|
| |
| Ancient Camellia Appreciating Festival |
 |
A Camellia tree, almost illusive, is rooted and growing strongly in the ancient town of Qintong. First planted at the end of the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), this particular Camellia tree is a peerless treasure. Among artificially cultivated Camellias this one has the largest diameter of base, tallest tree body, most flowers, and growth speed yet discovered.
During the festival, local performances fill the streets. Chanting, phoenix singing, lion lamps, labor worker’s chants, and ancient dramas make up the fun.
- Time: early April
- Venue: Ancient town of Qintong
|
| |
 |
Zheng Banqiao Festival
In 1993, the Zheng Banqiao Art Festival was born in Xinghua area of Taizhou. Ever since then, it is held every two years, adding anticipation and excitement. During the festival, activities vary, but large-scale art performances, cultural seminars on the water front, protection of cultural heritage, promotion of tourist routes, and cooking competitions are also present.
- Time: Late October – Early November
- Venue: Xinghua
|
| |
 |
Taixing Gingko Festival
Taixing is traditionally known as “China’s Town of Gingko” due to its specialty product “Big Buddha’s Finger” Gingko seeds. Foreigners may have heard of these before, they can be distinguished from other Gingko seeds by their think skin, tender kernels, and high nutritional value. The Taixing Gingko Festival was first held in 2002, and has been held biannually ever since.
- Time: October – November
- Venue: Taixing
|
| |
|
